Travel / news
Vienna Airport Group posts H1 profit rise but flags competitiveness threat
Vienna Airport Group reported a 7% improvement in first-half net profit to €123.2 million, helped by cost controls and strong traffic at Malta and Kosice airports. Joint CEO and CFO Günther Ofner warned that Austria is losing ground as an aviation location.
Revenue rose 0.9% year-on-year to €529.3 million in the first half of 2026, while EBITDA advanced 7.3% to €227.1 million, the group said. The Retail & Properties division generated revenue of €101.4 million, flat on the prior year, but its EBIT increased 7.3% to €47.5 million.
Within retail, Center Management & Hospitality revenue grew 2.8% to €52.5 million, supported by higher advertising income and improved performance in food and beverage outlets and lounges. The group credited its cost-savings programme and strong growth at Malta and Kosice airports for the profit improvement.
Passenger traffic showed a split picture. Malta Airport saw a 15.6% year-on-year increase in the period, while Kosice jumped 43.5%. Vienna itself recorded a 3.2% decline, underscoring management's concern about the hub's competitiveness.
Joint CEO and CFO Günther Ofner cited high location costs, a fee reduction effective from 1 January 2026, reduced low-cost carrier activity in Vienna and flight cancellations linked to the Middle East conflict. Despite these headwinds, he said the group showed solid development. Capital expenditures in Vienna and Malta climbed significantly to €150 million.